Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Former President Cory Aquino's Funeral Procession

Maria Corazon "Cory" Sumulong Cojuangco Aquino (January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009) was the 11th President of the Philippines, serving from 1986 to 1992. She was the first female president of the Philippines and was Asia's first female president.


A self-proclaimed "plain housewife", Aquino was married to Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. (1932–1983), a leading figure in the political opposition against the autocratic rule of President Ferdinand Marcos. After her husband was assassinated upon his return from exile in the United States on August 21, 1983, Aquino, who had no prior political experience, became a focal point and unifying force of the opposition against Marcos. She was drafted to run against Marcos in the 1986 snap presidential elections. After Marcos was proclaimed the winner despite widespread reports of electoral fraud, Aquino was installed as President by the peaceful 1986 People Power Revolution.


Aquino's presidency saw the restoration of democratic institutions in the Philippines, through the enactment of a new Constitution which limited the powers of the presidency, restored the bicameral Congress, and renewed emphasis on civil liberties. Her administration was likewise hampered by several military coup attempts by disaffected members of the Philippine military which derailed a return to full political stability and economic development.


Aquino died on August 1, 2009 from colon cancer.


I arrived in Intramuros at around 9:45AM and I walk directly to the nearest 7-11 store. I took my heavy breakfast and bought a bottle of water to rehydrate myself along the way. The heavy rains fall and flooded the streets of Intramuros. I have no choice but to move ahead according to plan. I need to move around the Cathedral to get a good spot for taking photos.



You can click on the photos for higher resolution.

The flooded streets of Intramuros...





I arrived in the Cathedral around 10:15AM.




I saw this little girl selling yellow Sampaguitas.






People waiting outside of the Cathedral with their banners.
The church gave communion to people in the street.



The arrival of the PNP battalion in front of the Cathedral.



"The Law applies to all, otherwise none at all"




Taking photography to the highest level. A photographer taking photos on the roof of the Cathedral



Father Catalino Arevalo




Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim





The National Anthem...



The remains of the former President being transferred on the Truck.





The Aquino Family...



Confetti was falling as the PNP arrange the former President's coffin.





The Funeral procession begins...














This is one of my favorite photos...




This is how Manila Bay looks like this morning. Huge waves due to the incoming storm...













I decided to go home when I was in Quirino station. I ate my lunch in the nearest McDonalds and changed my shirt...